As an observer, you’re probably asking yourself, do I need to feel a spark towards the genre straight away? Most definitely not! Steampunk is such a niche topic, filled with thousands of options to make it work for you and your individual taste on the way!
Eventually you might consider yourself a “Sundays Steampunker” if the only thing that’s really calling your name is related Movies and Tv-Shows for example.
Or the other way around, just a “Style Enthusiast” a person being intrigued only by its aesthetic look features! Either way, it’s already a massive step forward! It’s all about us accepting the fact again, that we wouldn’t even sit here now with all these masterpieces in our hands if it wasn’t for the favor of our past treasures!;)
But with a little help of My personal experiences, I would like to give You an informative tour about Steampunk’s Media content, that is completely available to all of us! Because people do intend to Eat with their Eyes as we know!;)
Movies and Tv Shows to get you Hooked!
Leaning on the Cinematic perspective, let’s just skip that part when I drag you to the detailed “roller-coaster” through Historical films over Time. Not denying, for the fresh viewer it sounds like an ultimate crime to pass the essentials from the age of 1927, when the first authentic style- related “cash magnet” called Metropolis was released. But purely in advance to give you a more modern understanding and with the graphical benefits, I will make a small list as a “blank page” for you to fill and discover Yourself!:) But let’s continue with something Juicier!;)
“Poor Things (2023)”
Undeniably the biggest Oscar-winning Hit over the last 2 years and potentially ranks at the very top in My personal opinion!:)
Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos and originally based on the novel by Alasdair Gray. Lead roles taken by Emma Stone, Mark Ruffalo and Willem Dafoe!
Honestly…when I first saw the movie, I couldn’t really get my head around of how many Steampunk figures and significant elements that align with it’s aesthetic theme can you possibly use? Not only were the crew LOADED with tons of awards, knowing that the Costume Design did the “home run” with a Winning Oscar as well. And that really hits close to the heart!:) Beautifully well thought through acting, designs, costumes, architecture and many many more directs perfectly to that rebellious lifestyle of Steampunk!
Speaking of the plot itself. Although “Poor things” focuses more on biological and philosophical experimentation, the Scientific technics still appear in the movie. And this is where we can also draw the line between these two. Because in Steampunk, the “scientists” push the boundaries of their era’s knowledge with fantastical devices and creations!
Final words! Extremely entertaining to watch and I’m 100 % sure that you will appreciate its playful subversion of period norms and its visually rich, inventive world to the fullest!;)
“The Lighthouse( 2019)”
Another Fantastic psychological drama/horror I would like to point out, but not specifically for the same reasons as the previous one. Also deserves to be at the top of the list for sure!:)
Directed by Robert Eggers, Lead roles taken by Robert Pattinson and Willem Dafoe. Nominated for 1 Oscar + other 34 wins and 143 extra nominations.
What makes the movie special from the start is its old, breathtaking and “abandoned” scenery that both “Lighthouse” and “Steampunk” share. Extraordinary acting from both Men!
Loved how they pulled off “old talk” dialogues filled with complete anger, depression, and fun at the same time! One of the most memorable “base note” movie plots of all time! Bravo for that!;)
But Overall, I think industrialization and human confrontation with technology and nature are already few narratives we can draw between Steampunk and “The Lighthouse”. Even though the idea of the movie wasn’t meant to be targeted to any of these phenomenal inventions from the past, my quick eye found all these parallels I’m about to tell you with no trouble;)
Well, the big picture is that, two lighthouse keepers in the late 19th century, will take on a four-week shift on a remote, storm-battered island. The story centers on the increasingly volatile relationship between the domineering and superstitious veteran keeper and the younger, inexperienced newcomer. Stranded together with no one else for miles, their working relationship becomes strained as power struggles and personality clashes escalate.
The film setting translates seamlessly into Steampunk aesthetics by imagining the lighthouse as a colossal, steam-powered engine that is anchored to a remote rock;) No need to mention that the Actors are indeed equipped with intricate brass-and-leather apparatuses( that is quite close from all the variables that Steampunk has to offer look wise) and must climb through vast gears and smokestacks to keep it repeatedly running.
As Steampunk thrives on fusions of Myth and technology, you don’t have to worry about the first one! “The Lighthouse” has its own Secrets buried when you least expect it! This movie is a Hybrid, Mechanical-organic Entity powered…and with a little kick of mystery Masterpiece!;)
“Sherlock Holmes (2009)” & “Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (2011)”
Can’t possibly move forward without mentioning our long-loving Actors being part of the underrated movie series created by Guy Richie!
Starring Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law and Rachel McAdams fit Perfectly to the elements of Steampunk, which take place in Victorian-era London. As we already suppose to know, the story rides with a traditional detective work with action-packed sequences, blended with modern action elements.
Steampunk-like technology plays a huge role in the marked series where the Visuals include industrial backdrops, such as Factories, Steam-powered Equipment, and elaborate Machinery we adore! Especially appreciate the films’ artistic direction giving them a modern, stylized twist that resonates with Steampunk themes!;)
Also it’s super likable how Guy Ritchie incorporates a unique, fast-paced visual style with slow-motion fight scenes and detailed sequences depicting Holmes’ thought processes! Every little piece of Style or Scenery element makes total sense in the movie, so No second-guessing and let’s buckle up the seatbelts!;)
But shortly, if these 3 examples weren’t satisfying for your taste( which I doubt!), you can easily go more Classic with a list of well-known Steampunk movies that don’t need any extra imagination whatsoever!:)
Mortal Engines (2018) is a post-apocalyptic Sci-fi film set in a world where cities are mounted on massive, motorized platforms and roam the Earth, consuming smaller settlements to survive. It’s based on Philip Reeve’s novel and is known for its epic historical visuals and imaginative world-building!
The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (2003) is a Steampunk, Superhero, Fantasy-action movie based on the same-named comic series by Alan Moore. It follows a team of legendary literary characters, who are brought together to stop a mysterious villain known as the Fantom from starting a world war. Action takes place in a Steampunk-inspired Victorian era!
The City of Lost Children (La Cité des Enfants Perdus, 1995) is a visually striking French sci-fi fantasy film directed by Marc Caro and Jean-Pierre Jeunet. The film has incredible surreal visuals, darkly whimsical tone, and exploration of themes like innocence and dreams. It blends elements of Steampunk nicely and creates a uniquely atmospheric experience.
Wild Wild West (1999) is probably the Most well-known Steampunk action-comedy, that most of us in between the age gap(30-50) have seen once in your life!:) The movie is set in the American Old-West and combines Western and science fiction elements, featuring gadgets, disguises, and eccentric villains. While packed with action and humor, it is also known for its quirky tone and over-the-top special effects for sure!:D
Last one on this small list I would like to point out is “The Golden Compass (2007)” Not exactly categorized as a Steampunk piece, but it has some visual and thematic similarities to the specific Genre! Overall it is more accurately described as a fantasy film with elements of science fiction, yet anachronistic, technologies such as airships and intricate machinery, that gives it a fair Steampunk vibe.:)
TV series to watch?
“Marie Antoinette (2022 – )”
Even though the 2 series I’m about to present isn’t Steampunk’s authentic lifestyle in particular, it’s filled with aesthetic elements that could be seen as adjacent to our beloved Genre from top to toe!
Marie Antoinette historical drama series created and written by Deborah Davis. It set’s in 18th-century France (Versailles) during the reign of Marie Antoinette. The goal is to depict her life, struggles, and relationships in a Historically inspired manner, often taking some creative liberties with costume and storytelling to appeal to Modern audiences.
Doing a perfect job completing that task!;)
First thing that will catch your eye would be the Costumes, which can evoke a similar feeling of reinterpreting history with a modern twist. Only for that reason already, it’s completely worth of spending that 50 minutes per episode of your free time.
Just undeniably beautiful to watch!:)
Some fans of historical drama (including Marie Antoinette) overlap with steampunk enthusiasts, as both groups appreciate a mix of Historical influence and imaginative reinterpretation.:) And knowing that the second season is coming out really soon, gets me super excited personally! So we need to appreciate that they’re still creating these amazing history-oriented material for the crowd. Means, it is Here to stay!:)
“Versailles (2015-2018)”
Looking for more action with the same scenery? Versailles is lushly produced, with stunning Visuals that capture the Grandeur of the palace and the costumes of the Baroque era especially. The series balances historical storytelling with modern sensibilities, making it accessible and engaging for even a picky one! Same goes for Versailles as “Marie Antoinette”, the loudest applause gets the costume design section!;)
Sadly…they finished with the series by only producing 3 seasons, but still, 100% worth exploring!
About the plot itself?
Show chronicles the early reign of King Louis XIV of France, also known as the Sun King in the 17th century. The main focus is on Louis’s ambitious project to transform his father’s hunting lodge into the grand Palace of Versailles, which would become a symbol of absolute monarchy and a tool to consolidate his power over the French nobility.:)
Also, the series handles bringing the famous controversy of the King to the surface super well. Troubles with the acceptance from people and problematic human relations are all presented nicely!
Although I do have one thing to point out! I wouldn’t recommend it to the younger ones, since “Versailles” consists bunch of nudity and sexual content more than usual compared to the casual tv-shows alike.
All in all, if you’re looking for some dark, dramatic and Historical experience filled with manipulation and esthetic beauty, that’s a catch for you!
…or why won’t we just give the animation a chance?
“Arcane: League of Legends (2021-2024)”
Unfortunately, can’t get passed without mentioning The Arcane, the Animation that has an enormous fanbase Worldwide! We will most definitely have a longer stop with the Animation topic to keep an eye on soon!;) But first things first!
4 Primetime Emmy winner Arcane has so much to prove to people that say “Nah, animation isn’t really my thing!” After watching it, you will think differently, I swear;)
It’s an animated steampunk action-adventure series created by Christian Linke and Alex Yee, based on the world of the video game League of Legends! Game that i do tend to play time to time as well!
While Arcane infuses fantasy and magic into its Storytelling, the show’s industrial design, societal themes, and love of inventive technology firmly root it in the Steampunk tradition!
Also many characters wear costumes that evoke a special style of ours, such as waistcoats, high collars, corsets, and utilitarian gear adorned with metallic details! You just can’t go wrong with those!
In a nutshell…Arcane follows the intertwined fates of two sisters Vi and Jinx(named Powder at first), set in the divided cities of Piltover and Zaun. Piltover thrives on innovation and prosperity, while Zaun suffers in poverty and crime. After a heist goes wrong, a tragic accident separates the two: Everything escalated by Vi being imprisoned and Powder becomes the volatile Jinx under the influence of crime lord Silco.
With its breathtaking animation and complex of characters…It is another piece that makes it a STANDOUT adaptation, appealing to Fans of League of Legends and newcomers alike!;)
Speaking of music…
Even for musicians, some bites of Steampunk influences go hand by hand indeed. As a fact, doesn’t even need to be a Heavy metal or a Goth band from Norway to make it work with the subculture. No wonder the Steampunk style has found its home at Red Carpet events with these small examples…
1st one isn’t typically my “Forte” what comes to the music itself, but it’s perfectly filled with Steampunk’s dynamics in the most elegant way!;)
…or maybe some Synthpop?
…and an old time “buddy” of mine that just released their 14th album on 1st of November 2024;)
Hope you guys found my personal picks and the guidance useful and inspirational in the long run!
We will meet each other shortly with the next one;)
